Josh Adams has scored three tries in Europe this season [Huw Evans Picture Agency]
Third in the URC, Cardiff are likely to rest players for the trip to Perpignan but will be fuelled at the prospect of the Welsh capital hosting the final in May.
They were close to winning in Lyon where 18-year-old centre Steffan Emmanuel became the club’s youngest European player, before a bonus-point win over Cheetahs put them third in the pool.
Josh Adams has already established himself among the competition’s leading try-scorers.
But head coach Matt Sherratt believes they still need seven points against Perpignan and Connacht to secure qualification.
“The objective is to get a game in the knockout stages at the Arms Park,” he said.
“We’re freshening up the squad but that aim still means winning two more games, or at least six or seven points.
“You never know what team Perpignan are going to select but we know the threat they pose in France and the challenge of Connacht after that.”
Ospreys (Pool 2)
The only Welsh team to reach the knockouts last season but currently the only region outside qualification places.
They are fifth in pool 2 after their record European defeat in Montpellier that spelt the end for Toby Booth.
Injuries are mounting but Jac Morgan is among the tournament’s leaders for turnovers and a home tie against winless Newcastle could galvanise their campaign before travelling to Pau.
Head coach Mark Jones, once a Heineken Cup semi-finalist with Llanelli, said: “Europe has not lost its romance, it’s still the pinnacle of competitions and everybody really wants to lift a European trophy.
“It is probably our best chance of getting something out of this season if you look at where we sit in the URC.”
This year’s European finals will be staged at the Principality Stadium in May [Getty Images]
Dragons (Pool 2)
Third in their pool after recovering from a narrow home loss to Montpellier with an impressive win on the road at Newcastle.
Full-back Huw Anderson scored a sensational try on his first start while Wales number eight Aaron Wainwright leads the tournament for carries (34).
On Sunday they host Pau, who boast one of the competition’s best attacks, just days before the long trip to Johannesburg to take on URC rivals Lions.
Head coach Filo Tiatia is desperate to inspire consistency from his team.
“We can’t keep giving 40-minute performances,” he said.
“It was a tough game against Scarlets [last match]. The performance documented that we were not at the races in the first half but a different team in the second half.”
He added: “Pau have a big depth in their squad, much different to ours, and definitely have a power game that is a real threat.”
Key dates
Round of 16: 4-6 April 2025
Quarter-finals: 11-13 April 2025
Semi-finals: 2-4 May 2025
Final: Friday 23 May
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Publish date : 2025-01-09 16:08:00
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